The President of the Academy of Medical Specialties of Nigeria, Professor Oladapo Ashiru, has urged Nigerians to avoid unnecessary physical contact, including handshakes, hugs and kisses, following the confirmation of an Ebola case in Abuja.
Ashiru gave the advice during an interview on Arise Television on Wednesday, as health authorities intensified efforts to prevent the virus from spreading following the detection of an imported case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The medical expert stressed that Ebola is not an airborne disease, explaining that transmission primarily occurs through direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person who has developed symptoms.
“Ebola is not airborne. But avoid kisses, hugs and handshakes,” Ashiru said.
He urged Nigerians to maintain good personal hygiene, limit unnecessary physical contact and follow public health guidance while authorities work to contain the infection.
Ashiru also called for the immediate activation of high-alert protocols across the country, including enhanced screening at airports, seaports and land borders.
He said healthcare facilities should strengthen infection prevention and control measures, while medical personnel should maintain a high index of suspicion, identify suspected cases promptly and ensure their immediate isolation.
The warning follows the confirmation of an Ebola case involving a woman who recently travelled to Nigeria from Uganda. According to information released by the Federal Government, the patient tested positive on October 20 and was placed in isolation for treatment.
Health authorities have identified 44 contacts and commenced contact tracing to determine who may have been exposed to the virus.
The World Health Organization says Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood and other body fluids of infected people, including saliva, vomit, urine and faeces. Infection can also occur through contact with objects contaminated by these fluids. People infected with Ebola do not transmit the disease before symptoms begin.
Although Ebola is not considered airborne, avoiding direct contact with potentially infectious body fluids remains an important precaution. Regular handwashing, prompt reporting of suspected cases and strict infection control in healthcare settings are also essential to limiting transmission.
Nigerians who develop symptoms such as fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting or diarrhoea after possible exposure should contact public health authorities for guidance and avoid visiting a healthcare facility without first seeking instructions.
Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant, cooperate with contact-tracing teams and rely on verified information from official health agencies.
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